Army Faces New Threat: Record High Suicides

The Army has a new threat – and unfortunately it is an ongoing one that seems to grow regardless of the resources they throw at it – and that is service member suicides.

In the month of July, the Army reported thirty two (32) suspected active duty and reservist suicides – the highest monthly toll on record. Of those thirty two, five (5) took place at Joint Base Lewis McChord, located in Washington State.

Why the increase when, to date, the Army has been devoting countless dollars and manpower to reversing the trend?

Some will argue it has much to do with the countless deployments, others the uncertainty of what life holds after the military. Some suggest it is the medication cocktail our troops are prescribed in order to deal with PTSD.

Bottom line: the numbers continue to grow each year.

In addition, the number of suicides committed by those married to service members is also increasing – and often, those numbers are under-reported or not reported at all. Not Alone has organized a spousal support group that is worth every word written on the page.

If you or someone you know in the military, or as a Veteran, is contemplating suicide – stop for a moment and consider what you have that is worth living for – guaranteed, there is something in your life worth living for – and then pick up the phone and call the Suicide Hotline.